Automatic animal processing

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for automatically processing an animal carcass (8). Suspension means (122, 123) suspends the carcass (8) in an inverted position with the spine inclined upwardly towards the neck (11) with the spine located beneath the carcass (8) and so that the diaphragm (119) is approximately vertical. A cutting assembly (130) moves into the abdominal cavity adjacent to the diaphragm (119), and a cutting means (28) cuts the diaphragm (119) around the periphery. A brisket shearing means (21) cuts the brisket (20) with a shearing action along the brisket (20) from the abdomen and towards the neck end of the brisket (20). The reaction member (188) is pivotally movable relative to the brisket (20) about a rear end to generally follow the contours of the brisket (20). Head holding means (12) locates and clamps the head (10) against movement, and stretching means (15) stretches the neck of the carcass (8) so as to spread the atlas joint, and a cutting blade (156) moves along the line of the jaw (9) and through the atlas joint so as to sever the head (10). Splitting support means (81) is movable lengthwise along the carcass (82), an opposed pair of rolling or sliding spine tracking means (86) carried by the splitting support means (81) straddles, locates and restrains the spine against lateral movement while cutting means (87, 200) splits the carcass (82) at the tracking means (86).

This invention relates to the handling of animals and, in particular, toapparatus for automatic processing of animals as in abattoirs, boningplants, etc.

In Australian Patent Specification Nos. 35,992/84 and 19,034/88, ananimal processing line is described which includes an animal lead uprace, capture and stun assembly, and hock and horn removal stationslocated after the animal has been stuck. The carcass is then ready formanual or automatic dressing and boning operations.

One of the operations carried out on a carcass during dressing andboning operations is cutting of the brisket to assist in the removal ofviscera from the carcass. This is usually carried out under directmanual control which adds to the processing costs per carcass. InAustralian Patent Specification No. 31,317/84 there is described anautomatic apparatus for cutting the brisket of a carcass suspended bythe forelegs. The apparatus includes a circular saw which is lowered andmoves downwardly from the neck region through the brisket and abdomen.There is still substantial risk of cutting viscera with this apparatus.Also a circular saw can easily stall due to an increase in resistance.Also circular saws can be difficult to guide. Furthermore a circular sawcreates a substantial amount of bone dust requiring removal and alsothere is a significant loss of saleable body weight due to the width ofbrisket and tissue cut out by the saw.

Another operation usually carried out manually in processing of ananimal carcass is removal of the head. The carrying out of this processmanually requires substantial skill and strength and also requires aprocess operator thereby adding to the processing cost. In AustralianPatent Specification No. 57,413/86 there is described an apparatus forautomatically breaking or dislocating the neck of a suspended carcass,particularly a sheep carcass. However even if this apparatus were to beadapted for use with removing the head, there would be substantial lossor downgrading of saleable meat from the neck of the carcass as a resultof a substantial part of the neck being removed with the head. Also, thehead is relatively unrestrained leading to poor repeatability of theprecise cut. Also the head would fall away from the apparatus so thatfurther processing of the head may need to rectify potential problemswith handling to achieve the required orientation and dealing withcontamination of the fallen head.

A further operation carried out on a carcass involves splitting thecarcass into two sides after evisceration. Although automatic apparatusfor carcass splitting has been proposed in the past, the difficulties ofaccurately locating and tracking a saw along the spine have beenunsatisfactory solved, resulting in for example wandering of the sawaway from the centre of the spine, particularly when the saw reaches theneck of the carcass. Movement of the carcass, particularly the neck canresult in "soft siding" where the saw blade runs off the spine and cutsthrough meat to one side with consequent damage to that meat and loss ofor reduction in value of the meat. Circular saw blades have been used inearlier proposals to automatically split a carcass. A circular saw bladeresults in the creation of substantial bone dust and loss of saleablebody weight as a result of the width of bone and meat cut by the saw.

Diaphragm cutting has been carried out in the past manually as a part ofthe evisceration of the carcass. Manual operations used in dressing andboning operations carried out on a carcass are significant contributorsto the cost involved in carcass processing.

It is an object of a first aspect of the present invention to provide anautomatic processing apparatus for carcasses which is capable ofautomatically cutting the diaphragm of the carcass during anevisceration operation.

It is an object of a second aspect of the present invention to provideautomatic carcass processing apparatus which is capable of efficientlyand effectively automatically cutting the brisket of the carcass withminimal risk of damaging the viscera and preferably with minimal loss ofbody weight.

It is an object of the third aspect the present invention to provide anautomatic carcass processing apparatus capable of automatically locatingand removing an animal head from a carcass with accuracy and minimalloss or downgrading of saleable meat.

It is an object of the fourth aspect of the present invention to providean automatic carcass splitting apparatus which is capable of accuratelysplitting a carcass along the spine with a high degree of repeatability.

According to the first aspect of the present invention there is providedan apparatus for automatically processing an animal carcass, theapparatus comprising suspension means for suspending a carcass in aninverted position with the spine located beneath the carcass and thecarcass having an abdominal cavity opening upwardly so as to expose theabdominal side of the diaphragm, the apparatus further comprising acutting assembly movable relative to the carcass so as to be advanceableinto the abdominal cavity adjacent to the diaphragm, the cuttingassembly including a cutting support for generally arcuate movementabout the length of the carcass within the abdominal cavity and beingoperable during the arcuate movement to cut the diaphragm around theperiphery thereof.

Preferably the suspension means is operative to suspend the carcass withthe spine inclined upwardly towards the neck so that the abdominalviscera lay away from the diaphragm within the abdominal cavity undertheir own weight. The suspension means preferably supports the carcassso that the diaphragm is approximately vertical.

The cutting support in the preferred embodiment is selectively movablegenerally along the length of the carcass so that the cutting assemblyafter being advanced into the abdominal cavity enables the cutting meansto be advanced into contact with the diaphragm for commencement of thediaphragm cutting operation.

The cutting support may mount the cutting means so as to be capable ofvarying paths of movement about the cutting support whereby the cuttingmeans is capable of following and cutting differing shapes and sizes ofdiaphragms as required. For this purpose the cutting support preferablyincludes a support arm, the cutting means being mounted to an outer endof the support arm, the support arm being pivotally movable about aninner end thereof, the support arm comprising an inner support armportion and an outer support arm portion, the inner and outer supportarm portions being pivotally connected together at an elbow, whereby asthe support arm is pivotally moved about the inner end thereof, thecutting means at the outer end can vary its separation from the innerend of the support arm by hinging movement at the elbow.

The cutting means preferably includes a cutter blade, the cutter bladebeing shielded by a shroud and having a portion of the blade onlyexposed for cutting action along the diaphragm, the shroud beingarranged to bear against and to follow the rib cage wall of the carcassas the cutter blade is moved along its arcuate path whereby the line ofcut is closely adjacent to the rib cage wall, the shroud shielding thecutter blade against inadvertent cutting of viscera within the carcass.

In the preferred embodiment the cutting means comprises two cutter toolsmounted for simultaneous arcuate movement at opposite sides of thecarcass so as to cut the diaphragm at both sides simultaneously. In onealternative, the two cutter tools may be initially positioned at thediaphragm adjacent to the spine of the carcass, the two cutter toolsbeing advanced so as to contour out and around the rib cage wall towardsthe upper opening in the abdominal cavity through which the cutterassembly extends. In another alternative the two cutter tools areinitially located at the diaphragm adjacent to the opening in theabdominal cavity at an upper part of the diaphragm, the two cutter toolsbeing advanced outwardly and downwardly so as to follow the inside wallof the rib cage until the cutting tools reach the vicinity of the spine,the apparatus further including diaphragm holding means for releasablyholding the diaphragm at the upper edge thereof adjacent where thecutting tools commence their cutting of the diaphragm, the holding meansbeing arranged to hold the diaphragm against folding down within theabdominal cavity during the advancing movement of the cutting tooltowards the spine.

According to the second aspect of the present invention there isprovided an apparatus for automatically processing an animal carcass,the apparatus comprising carcass locating means for locating and holdingthe rib cage and brisket of a carcass against substantial movement,brisket shearing means for cutting the brisket with a shearing action,the shearing means comprising a shearing blade and a reaction memberwhich cooperates with the shearing blade to create the shearing actionas the shearing blade is moved relatively towards and away from thereaction member, drive means for advancing the shearing means relativeto the carcass so that the shearing blade and the reaction member arelocated on opposite sides of the brisket, the drive means furtheradvancing the shearing means in use along the brisket in the generallongitudinal direction of the carcass and moving the shearing bladerelatively towards and away from the reaction member to shear thebrisket and the covering tissues.

In the second aspect the drive means is preferably operative to advancethe shearing means along the brisket from the end of the brisket nearerthe abdomen and towards the neck end of the brisket.

The reaction member may be pivotally movable relative to the brisketabout a rear end of the reaction member whereby the reaction membergenerally follows the contours of the brisket during advance of theshearing means.

The drive means is preferably operative to advance the shearing means ina series of steps, the drive means firstly advancing the shearing meanswith the shearing blade and reaction member separated, secondly stoppingthe advancing movement and effecting a cut of the brisket, and thirdlyopening the shearing blade for a further advancing movement, thissequence being repeated until the brisket has been cut along its entirelength, the reaction member moving pivotally about its rear end duringthe advancing movements of the shearing means so as to generally followthe contour of the brisket.

The reaction member may comprise an anvil member, the shearing bladebeing operative to cut downwardly onto an upper reaction surface of theanvil so as to achieve the shearing action between the shearing bladeand the anvil. The upper reaction surface of the anvil may be resilientso as to yield as the shearing blade approaches and comes into contactwith the anvil thereby enabling complete severing of the brisket andcovering tissues.

Preferably the reaction member is arranged to be brought into the animalcarcass on the inside face of the brisket, the shearing blade beingmaintained external to the carcass and being pivotally movable relativeto the reaction member to achieve the shearing action.

Preferably the carcass locating means includes means for supporting thecarcass in an inverted position with the spine located beneath thecarcass throughout the brisket cutting operation whereby the viscerafall away from the brisket internally of the carcass thereby providing asubstantially clear inside face of the brisket along which the shearingmeans is advanced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is providedan apparatus for automatically processing an animal carcass so as toremove the animal head from the remainder of the carcass, the apparatusincluding head holding means, the head holding means comprising locatingmeans for locating in use the animal head in a generally desiredposition, and clamping means for clamping the head against movement, theapparatus further including stretching means for stretching the neck ofthe carcass so as to spread the atlas joint, and cutting meanscomprising a cutting blade which is selectively movable along a cut linelocated below and generally along the line of the jaw and through theatlas joint so as to sever the head from the remainder of the carcass.

The locating means preferably comprises a cradle engageable with thehead, the cradle being movable generally along the longitudinaldirection of the head so as to position the cradle in the desiredrelative longitudinal position before clamping. The carcass is supportedpreferably in an inverted position with the spine located beneath thecarcass and the head hanging downwardly, the locating means beingoperative to relatively engage with the back of the hanging head, thelocating means including sensing means for sensing the presence of theback of the head upon contact being made with the back of the head. Theclamping means is preferably operative to clamp the head above the cutline, the clamping means including a jaw clamp for urging the head intothe cradle to locate and clamp the head against movement.

The stretching means is preferably operative to move the head holdingmeans relatively away from the remainder of the carcass until there is apredetermined reaction against further stretching of the head away fromthe carcass. The stretching means may include a reaction sensor mountedto the head holding means, the reaction sensor being located so as to becontacted by the crown of the head whereby upon stretching of the neckthe crown of the head acts against the reaction sensor with a forcesensed by the reaction sensor.

The cutting blade preferably comprises a shear blade movable from thethroat region generally along the jaw line, the shear blade beingoperatively associated with a shear reaction blade carried by the headholding means, the shear reaction blade being located during the cuttingoperation adjacent the crown of the head and behind the spread atlasjoint.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention there isprovided an apparatus for automatically processing an animal carcass,the apparatus comprising carcass support means for supporting a carcassafter removal of the viscera and for restraining the carcass againstlateral movement, splitting support means selectively movable lengthwisealong the carcass, an opposed pair of spine tracking means carried bythe splitting support means and for engaging with the carcass atopposite sides of and in close proximity to the spine of the carcass tostraddle the spine and therefore to locate and restrain the spineagainst lateral movement and for moving along and following the spinealong its length, cutting means mounted to the splitting support meansand for cutting the carcass along the spine to split the carcass, thecutting means being operative to cut the carcass generally at thelocation of the tracking means whereby the cutting action of the cuttingmeans occurs where the tracking means is restraining the spine againstlateral movement.

Preferably the spine tracking means makes a rolling contact with thespine on opposite sides of the spine, the spine tracking means beingurged into engagement with the carcass to positively locate on oppositesides of the spine and to remain on opposite sides of the spine as thespine tracking means moves lengthwise along the spine.

The rolling contact means may comprise two laterally spaced trackingwheels, the rims of which are arranged to contact and roll along thecarcass, the axes of the rotation of the two wheels being non-collinear,the closest separation of the rims of the wheels being at the regionwhere the wheels contact the carcass on opposite sides of the spinewhereby any lateral force acting on a wheel rim as a result of anytendency of the carcass to move laterally has a component of forceacting radially relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel wherebythe wheel will strongly resist the lateral movement of the carcass atthe spine.

The spine tracking means may comprise two pairs of rolling contactmeans, the two pairs being spaced lengthwise relative to the carcass,and the two pairs of rolling contact means being carried by trackingsupport means which is pivotally movable about a transverse axis locatedbetween the two longitudinally spaced pairs of rolling contact means soas to maintain at least one of the pairs of rolling contact means incontact with the carcass and straddling the spine at all times.

In an alternative embodiment the spine tracking means may comprisesliding contact means operative to contact the carcass along the sidesof the spine and to slide along the carcass, the sliding contact meansbeing urged against the carcass to positively be located on oppositesides of the spine and to remain on opposite sides as the spine trackingmeans moves lengthwise along the carcass.

The splitting support means preferably comprises a trolley movable alonga track located lengthwise relative to the carcass, the splittingsupport means further including a cutting support mounting the cuttingmeans, the cutting support being movable relative to the trolley towardsand away from the carcass so as to vary the height of the cutting meansrelative to the trolley and relative to the carcass so as to be capableof maintaining an operative position relative to the carcass.

The spine tracking means may be mounted for floating movement along thespine so as to follow the contour of the spine along the length thereof,the splitting support means including feedback means responsive to thefloating movement of the spine tracking means and operative to controlthe height of the cutting support and hence of the cutting means tothereby maintain the desired height of the cutting means relative to thecarcass throughout the length of the spine.

Preferably the carcass support means is operative to support the carcassin an inverted position with the spine located beneath the carcassthroughout the splitting operation, the carcass support means includingmeans for supporting the legs in a spread condition.

In one embodiment the cutting means may comprise a circular saw arrangedin a plane with the general longitudinal direction of the spine beinglocated in the plane of the saw, the circular saw being movablelongitudinally along the spine so as to cut through the spine betweenthe opposed spine tracking means where the spine is restrained againstlateral movement.

In an alternative embodiment the cutting means may comprise a band sawmovable longitudinally along the spine so as to cut through the spinebetween the opposed spine tracking means where the spine is restrainedagainst lateral movement.

At each of the processing stations, the equipment can be thoroughlycleaned and/or sterilized for reuse so as to prevent cross contaminationof carcasses. To this end, the design of such equipment takes intoaccount the need for thorough cleaning.

Possible and preferred features of the present invention will now bedescribed with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.However it is to be understood that the features illustrated in anddescribed with reference to the drawings are not to be construed aslimiting on the scope of the invention: In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a device for automatic aitchbone cutting and the manner ofits operation;

FIGS. 2 and 3 show an apparatus whereby the head of a carcass may beautomaticaly removed;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the means by which hide removal may becompleted automatically at a hide pulling station;

FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 show details of an automatic brisket cutter;

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the various carcass orientations for manualpreparation for hide removal and evisceration;

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the carcass orientations that may be employedfor aitchbone cutting and automatic evisceration;

FIG. 14 is a detail of the disposition of anatomical parts and carcassat a stage enabling aitchbone cutting;

FIG. 15 is a detail of the disposition of anatomical parts and carcassat a stage whereat the diaphragm is cut;

FIG. 16 is a transverse view through the apparatus of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a detailed view of a possible diaphragm cutter;

FIG. 18 shows an apparatus for ejecting viscera.

FIG. 19 shows an apparatus to sever eviscera attachments and the tail;

FIG. 20 shows the components of a carcass splitter that employs a rotarysaw;

FIG. 21 is a detail of a brisket clamp that can be used in the carcasssplitter of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 22 and 23 show details of a spine tracking means for use in thecarcass splitter of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 24 and 25 show details of a neck guide for use in the carcasssplitter of FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 shows the location of various sensors used in an automaticcarcass splitter;

FIGS. 27 and 28 are side and end views of an alternative spine trackingmeans used in carcass splitting; and

FIG. 29 is a side view of an alternative carcass splitter support means.

In an abattoir live animals are brought from holding yards, separatedand isolated, captured, stunned and stuck. After bleeding and removal ofhocks and horns, manual hide prearation may take place. With the carcassinverted, hide is released from the legs and under body to depend at thecarcass sides in preparation for removal automatically at a later stagealong the line as will be described below. The oesophagus, trachea andarteries are cleared from the thoracic cavity. The pizzle and erectormuscles are removed. The legs are then shackled and the shackles areengaged with overhead rails so that, with a suitable drive, which may besimilar to existing chains, the carcass is drawn upwardly to an elevatedposition and inclined with neck down for further processing. Manualoperations continue to prepare the carcass for head removal, hideremoval and evisceration. This may include severing the head hide;removal of the muzzle; recording of tooth number and sex; removal of thetongue. The tongue and then the head may be passed to a separateconveyor to be separately processed. Head removal may be an automaticoperation utilising apparatus as is described below.

Also at the rear end of the carcass, a series of manual operations maybe carried out to prepare for aitchbone cutting, hide removal,evisceration and splitting. This may include rumping; mark and strip thetail; remove tail bush; clear and pull the rectum and bung (sphincter);and bag the anus.

Automatic operations may begin after the manual preparation steps andstations enabling this are described below. After most processes, thecarcass is split by a suitable means such as a band saw or rotary sawwhich is described below. Inspection may be undertaken at various stageswith condemned carcasses ejected from the line. Trimming may proceedwith further inspection after carcass splitting. Carcasses requiringfurther trimming may be ejected from the line to enable furtherprocessing. Finished carcasses may be fed off onto a storage line wherecarcasses are washed, inspected, etc. on their way to chiller rooms ofthe usual character. Inspection is undertaken as usual with thosecarcasses that require it being ejected for a rewash. Decontaminationmay be undertaken with grading being performed when necessary. The frontleg may be released to allow the carcass half to hang from its back leg.The removed shackle might be fed back to the head of the lineautomatically.

In the following description, there is set out particular preferredstructures for processing stations where aitchbones may be cut, headsremoved, hides pulled, briskets cut, diaphragms cut and eviscera may beejected and carcasses may be split. The actual placement of thesestations along a processing line of the above described character may bevaried according to particular objectives.

The following description makes various recommendations regardingplacement of the stations along the above described line but as thesemay be utilised singly on any processing line they are treated below,separately, and in no particular order under separate headings.

AITCHBONE CUTTING

The aitchbone may be cut in a fully automatic operation performed whenthe carcass is suspended on overhead rails, transverse to the processingline. The carcass is best suspended neck down at approximately 30° sothat the viscera move forwardly away from the hind quarters. The cuttingdevice to be utilised in this operation must be capable of cutting bothmuscle and bone and it is best shielded so as not to damage the bladder,intestines or rectum. The cutter ought not to produce a jagged cut whichmight pierce the viscera and cause contamination. During cutting it ispreferable to spread the hind legs to 600 mm, dependent upon the type ofsuspension device used in hanging the carcass off the overhead rails.The foreleg spread is not critical at this station apart from beingcompatible with the overall system layout.

Aitchbone cutting may be performed as a preparation for evisceration andit can be split at the ventral ridge so as to enable the intestine andrectum to peel off the spine from the posterior of the abdominal cavityand from the pelvic cavity, as the viscera rolls out over the hind legsduring the automatic evisceration process. It is possible to operate theprocessing line without this preparatory step occurring beforeevisceration with the aitchbone not cut till the carcass is split.Preferably automatic aitchbone cutting is performed following completionof the manual process steps preparatory to evisceration and before headremoval. The final series of the manual operations are:

(1) Clearing and freeing the rectum and bung;

(2) Bagging the anus, sealing the end of the rectum to eliminatecontamination;

(3) Pushing the bagged anus and rectum back into the pelvic cavity;

(4) Mark and strip tail; and

(5) Removal of tail brush.

The carcass is inclined neck down, prior to the above steps beingperformed to ensure that urine from the pizzle and faeces from therectum do not spill out onto the carcass prior to bagging the rectum.This also ensures that the bladder and small intestine are placed clearof the cutting blade.

In operation of the automatic cutting station described below, thecarcass is centralised for the cutter to come into the required cuttingposition and cut through the Gracilis muscle and the aitchbone. Thesplit aitchbone then parts slightly (approximately 10 mm depending onthe animal) and the cutter is raised and retracted for cleaning andsterilisation so as to ready it for the next carcass. Suitable cuttersmay be reciprocating saws, circular saws and cleaver actions with areaction bar to centralise the cut. Sensors may be provided to determinewhen the aitchbone has been split to signal when cutter withdrawal maybe initiated. The release of tension on the hind legs when the bone issevered provides one method of assessing that the cut has beencompleted.

In FIG. 1, carcass 169 is suspended at 170 and 171 from overhead railsat an angle of 30° from the horizontal, neck down, as shown. In thisposition, the viscera 172 have rolled forwardly against the diaphragm173, away from the aitchbone 174 when the automatic cutter 175 comesinto operation. This device may be mounted for vertical movement on asupport 176 to be moved along a transverse arm 177 by action of a ram178 which advances a centering device 179 beneath the aitchbone. When inplace for the start of a cut, a rotary cutting blade 180 may be loweredon its pivot 181 by ram 182 to commence cutting when the blade may beadvanced by further action of ram 178. Upon completion of the cut, theblade 180 may be lifted and the unit withdrawn by operation of therespective rams for sterilisation.

AUTOMATIC HEAD REMOVAL

To improve the hide pulling cycle time and reduce the forces generatedon the forequarter of the carcass by pulling the hide over the head, itis advantageous to remove the head before hide removal and head skin ata separate station.

In its operation, the carcass is located centrally over the head removalmechanism, which is described below and the cutting cycle is triggered.FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the features of such a mechanism.

The first operation of the auto cycle is to operate head holding means12 to locate and hold the head and position the cutting means 151. Thisis achieved by the activation of two limit switches 152 and 153 mountedon the cutting means 151. When the auto cycle begins the cutting means151 swings up through an arc until the back of the head 10 is sensed byswitch 152. This ensures that the head 10 is in contact with the headlocating means 13 shown as head cradle 154. The unit then risesvertically until the backbone is sensed by switch 153, positioning thecrown of the head 10 in front of the shear reaction blade 155.

It is essential to clamp the head firmly by clamping means 14 to ensurea successful cut. If the head 10 is allowed to roll as the shear blade156 passes through, then the cutting efficiency is reduced as thedrawing action of the blade 156 relative to the head 10 is negated,causing the blade 10 to stall.

The clamping means 14 may operate in two stages:

(1) When the head 10 is in position relative to the cutting means 151,the neck bails 157 swing through 90° to ensure the neck 11 is containedcentrally. Simultaneously the jaw clamp 158 swings down onto the head10, pushing it firmly into the vee shaped cradle 154.

(2) When neck bails 157 and jaw clamps 158 are in position, the cuttingmeans 151 pulls down by operation of stretching means 15 until the crown16 of the head 10 pulls back up hard against the shear reaction blade155. This action, while ensuring that the crown 16 of the head 10 islocated against the reaction blade 155, also puts the neck 11 in tensionto spread the atlas joint to aid the cutting action of the blade 156.Proof of the neck stretching is provided by a reaction sensor 17 such asa pressure switch or limit switch mounted on the reaction blade face.

Then when the neck 11 of the carcass has been stretched, the headtransfer clamps 159 lock onto the side of the head 10 to prevent anyrocking motion of the head during cutting.

The cutting blade 156 describes a scissor action with the reaction blade155, following the line of the jaw 9 to shear the head through the atlasjoint. The aim of cutting close to the jaw 9 is to leave as muchsaleable meat on the carcass as possible, and minimise the amount oftrimming from the head 10 on the head processing line. Following theremoval of the head 10, the head transfer clamps 159 swing the severedhead out to transfer it to the head processing line. The mechanism thenresets for sterilization and for the next carcass.

The head cradle 154 centralises the head 10 for clamping and ensuresthat the jaw line is approximately parallel with the cutting blade 156.The gap 160 between the guides 161 and 162 prevents the bridge of themuzzle from rotating. Ram 163 operates to raise the unit on arm 166 upguide rails 164 and 165. The cutting means 151 is pivotally mounted onarm 166 and 167 whereby the angle of cutting means 151 is adjustable. Astretching means 15 comprises a ram 168 enabling the captured head 10 tobe drawn downwardly so as to stretch the neck 11. Additional rams (notshown) operate the clamps and cutting blade.

HIDE PULLING

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a carcass 72 suspended by shackles 60 off overheadrails 58 and 59. The shackles may be of the usual character with a rearhook 70 and a fore leg chain 71. Carcass 72 has been partially dressedwith hide 74 cleared back from the underside 73 and legs. So as tocomplete hide removal, a series of hide clamps 75, 76 and 77 may beattached thereto, as shown (with an equivalent set at the opposed side)each attached to a respective mechanical arm 78, 79 and 80, whereby theclamps may be drawn downwardly so as to pull the hide. The angles andrates of pull at each clamp are best optimised so as to remove the hide74 in as clear a form as possible in order to maintain an acceptablefinish on the hide 74 and carcass 72 making the hide suitable forstandard processing operations.

Hide removal is best carried out following head removal, and beforebrisket cutting and evisceration. This is done so as to reduce the hidepulling cycle time and reduce the forces generated on the forequarter ofthe carcass.

In the above described system, the carcass 72 is initially prepared forthe hide pulling operation on a bed-dressing system. This involvesremoving the hide from the brisket, the under-belly area, and around thefront and rear legs. The carcass 72 is then raised and suspended by thefour legs to present the rear of the carcass at a suitable height forfinal preparation. Manual work is carried out on the tail-anus area toprepare the hide 74 so that is will peel down past the anus and from thetail during hide pulling. Also with the carcass in this orientation therump can be cleared to reduce the tendency for fat to adhere to the hideduring pulling.

The suitably prepared carcass 72 is then stretched and traversed intothe hide pulling station on rails 58 and 59 and located centrally overthe hide pulling mechanism. Stretching of the carcass is carried out tostraighten and align the rear leg, so that the subcutaneous tissue willnot be torn from the hip area on the carcass. The hide 74 may be pulledfrom the carcass by clamps 75, 76, 77 of which three are located eachside of the carcass, symmetrically, and where as shown three are usedthen one 77 is on the front leg skin, one 75 on the hind leg skin, andthe other 76 at the mid-point between them. The hide pulling clamps maybe operable to rise to locate underneath the back of the carcass, andthen contour up and around the outside to locate between the carcass 72and the overhanging flaps of manually cleared hide 74. Once in positionthe clamps 75-77 close, locking firmly to the hide 74, and the clamparms 78-80 then begin their pulling down. The hide 74 is initiallypeeled down horizontally either side of the carcass 72 to a pointmid-way where the pulling angle is then best progressively changed sothat the hide 74 is pulled more from the forequarter back towards therear of the carcass. When the hide 74 has been pulled from the carcass72, the clamps 75-77 open, releasing the hide for transfer away, and thehide removal mechanism resets for the next carcass.

Hide pulling is unmanned at this station for both lean and fat animals.To ensure an acceptable finish is achieved on fatty animals extra"rumping" is carried out on the bed dressing conveyor.

AUTOMATIC BRISKET CUTTING

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, to prepare the carcass 183 for evisceration,the brisket 20 is desirably cut open. The carcass is best presented forbrisket cutting when orientated horizontally, suspended by the four legsfollowing hide removal and prior to evisceration.

The automation of brisket cutting may be achieved with the carcass 183and its brisket 20 positioned centrally below a cleaving or shearingmeans 21. The centralising, cutting, and indexing may be performed in athirty second cycle time. The carcass 183 may travel transversely intothe brisket cutting station and can be stopped upon triggering and asensor. The brisket 20 may then be centralised with locating means 186comprised by a vee-shaped clamp pad acting directly on the brisketregion. The carcass 183 may remain clamped until the cutting cycle iscompleted.

Cutting may be achieved, as described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to9, by an hydraulic knife edge shear blade 189 that can cut open thebrisket 20. Such a cutter is suitable because it can cut through bothmeat and bone to eliminate the traditional marking cut along the brisketcentre line. In operation, a shear reaction member 188 is dropped into amarking cut, through the belly between the brisket 20 the pizzle,stopping when it is below the line of the brisket 20. The shearing means21 can then traverse forward a preset distance so that the brisket 20 isbetween the blade 189 and the reaction member 188. The blade 189 thenacts to cut, open, and traverse forward to the next preset cuttingpoint. The shearing means 21 unit may be free to pivot through say 60°(about axis 22), dampened by a pneumatic cylinder to enable followingthe brisket contours. As the reaction member 188 runs along theunderside of the brisket 20, the shearing means 21 can pivot, keepingthe cutting blade angle at a minimum. The shear blade 189 is bestadvanced the full length of the previous cut before stopping for thenext so as to locate the blade 189 in the toe of the previous cut,preventing a miscut. The cycle may be complete after typically, threecuts (see FIG. 9), and the unit may be then removed for cleaning andsterilization ready for the next carcass.

In FIG. 6, carcass 183 is suspended by shackles 184 and 185, belly upwith the carcass centralised by a locating means 186 described belowwith the reference to FIG. 7. A shearing means 21 is lowered through abelly cut with reaction member 188 dropped below the brisket 20 when theshearing means 21 may be advanced with blade 189 open, to an initialcutting point when blade 189 is closed to shear through the brisket 20.By opening the blade 189 and advancing the unit 187, a number of cutsmay be made as the unit advances forwardly to complete a cut through theentire length of the brisket.

In FIG. 7 is shown a perspective view of the jaws 191, 192 of locatingmeans 186 of FIG. 6 which may pivot downwardly about point 190 untiljaws 191 and 192 contact the carcass as shown in FIG. 6. The locatingmeans comprises a pair of downwardly dependent, rotably mounted arms 193and 194 with a pair of plates as shown attached at their forward end toestablish contact with the carcass and centralise the brisket 20 withthe shearing means 21.

FIG. 8 shows the shearing means 21 in greater detail. The brisket 20 ofa carcass 183 is scissored between shear blade 189 and a reaction member188 by action of a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) acting on arm 195 soas to turn blade 189 in support blocks 197 about pivot 196. The reactionmember 188 acts as an anvil onto which the blade 189 cuts. The anvil isfitted with a Ralloy insert 198 for engagement of the cutting blade 189at the closure of the blade 189 at the completion of a cut. The insert198 is resilient to yield as the blade 189 approaches and comes intocontact with the anvil to enable complete cutting of the brisket 20 andcovering tissues and without splintering.

EVISCERATION PROCESS

The evisceration procedure may be as follows:

(1) the first operation for the evisceration process is opening up thebelly, which is carried out with the carcass 8 on the bed dressingconveyor 25 in the position shown in FIG. 10 when the steps of (a), (b),(c), and (d) below may be performed.

(2) following the work-up of the hide 74 as seen in FIG. 10 the carcass8 is suspended by all four legs horizontally as in FIG. 11 and conveyedalong transversely through the remaining processes. The carcass 8 isthen orientated head-down as in FIG. 12 to assist the manual workup. Inthis position the slaugterman removing the tongue and cheek hide alsocompletes the clearing of the trachea and arteries from the thoraciccavity and sternum area;

(3) the carcass 8 orientated head-down as in FIG. 12, ensures thebladder and viscera are placed clear to allow for automatic splitting ofthe aitchbone 174;

(4) then following the head removal and hide pulling, the brisket 20 isautomatically cut open;

(5) the carcass 8 is then orientated head-up as seen in FIG. 13(approximately 30° to the horizontal) to position the internal organsaway from the diaphragm 119, which is now orientated vertically;

(6) as described in more detail below, a pair of mechanical cuttingtools, which may be circular blades, reciprocating or high pressurewater, then come down through the opened belly, locate the back of theabdominal cavity then contour up the inside of the cavity wall cuttingaway the diaphragm 119, preferably from bottom to top;

(7) then with the carcass 8 still orientated head-up, a mechanical scoop143 then enters the thoracic cavity at the neck and follows down alongthe spine inside the carcass 8 to clear the heart/lungs initially andfinally pulling clear the complete eviscera including the kidneys;

(8) finally when the complete viscera has dropped out between the hindlegs onto the evisceration conveyor, it may still remain attached by twoarteries situated either side of the spine, and by connective tissue. Amechanical gripper would then clamp the remaining tissue and arteries,to allow a pulling or cutting action to take place to sever theattachments.

The mechanical operations may be carried out at a number of separatestations.

The initial preparation of the carcass 8 may involve the following stepsin the bed dressing position of FIG. 10:

(a) remove the scrotum or udder;

(b) clear, rod and tie the weasand (trachea) to eliminate regurgitationof ingesta;

(c) clear the oesophagus and arteries from the anterior of the thoraciccavity and sternum area; and

(d) open up the belly (abdominal cavity).

The final series of manual preparations are carried out on the suspendedcarcass as in FIG. 11 with the neck inclined downwardly at typically30°. These operations are:

(A) remove the tongue;

(B) complete the clearing of the oesophagus; trachea and arteries fromthe thoracic cavity;

(C) remove the pizzle and erector muscles;

(D) clear and pull the rectum and bung (sphincter);

(E) bag the anus, sealing the end of the rectum to eliminatecontamination.

Following the above manual processing, the carcass may be automaticallyconveyed through stations to split the aitchbone, remove the head andthe hide, cut the brisket and then eviscerate.

In the following description is set out a fully automatic eviscerationprocess operative on a carcass supported by its legs. The apparatus thatperforms the process is located following brisket cutting and beforesplitting. Two stations for diaphragm cutting and viscera removal aredescribed. These operate with the carcass 8 on overhead rails transverseto the direction of the line.

In FIG. 14 is shown the aitch bone cutting position with the carcass 8head down such that the viscera 120 are rolled downwardly against thediaphragm 119. The orientation may be achieved by proper placement ofoverhead rails 121 and 122. At 121, a typical beef or meat roller,herein referred to as shackle 123 is fitted with a roller 124 running ona rail 125. Similarly at 122 a shackle runs on rail 126 which is tiltedand lowered to achieve the desired support angle. In this position, theaitchbone 174 may be cut with least likelihood of damage to the visceraand consequent contamination of the carcass.

In FIG. 15 the rails 125 and 126 are differently positioned and thecarcass 8 is in a head-up position when the viscera will be rolled backaway from the diaphragm 119. The head-up position preferably has thecarcass 8 at a 30° slope with the fore legs and hind leg spread attypically 1200 mm dependent on the type of shackle and roller that areused with a longitudinal separation of typically 2700 mm at bothstations.

FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 show a pair of cutters that may be employed in thecutting of the diaphragm 119. An overhead assembly 128 lowers a cuttingassembly 130 on a cutting support 129. The cutting assembly 130comprises two arms 131 and 132 carrying pivotal fore arms 133 and 134having cutting means 28 having cutter devices 135 and 136 at the endsthereof. The cutting devices 135 and 136 comprise rotary blades 137 and138 in shrouds 139 and 140. The cutting blades 137 and 138 rotate on anaxis that is permitted to pivot on orthogonal axes 35, 36 for enablingthe cutting blades 137, 138 to remain in optimal cutting orientations.In operation, support arm 129 drops to a preset depth into the abdominalcavity, typically 100 mm, then it floats under the control of programlogic. On dropping, arm portions 131 and 132 pivot forwardly about axis33 to find the diaphragm 119 and they follow it down to a pointtypically 280 mm from the top of the diaphragm 119, when the cutters 135and 136 are rotated down to a starting point as seen in FIG. 16 when thecutters 135, 136 are started and their support arm portions 131 and 132are rotated upwardly, following the rib cage wall 141, 142 by portions133, 134 pivoting about elbows 31, 32 and cutters pivoting about axes35, 36, severing the diaphragm 119 from the bottom up. The outer armportions 133, 134 can be urged or biased outwardly to maintain contactwith the rib cage walls 141, 142, e.g. by air cylinder 34 acting on theouter end of arm portion 134 as shown in FIG. 17. FIGS. 16 and 17 showin broken lines some possible positions of the support arm portions131-134.

The shrouds 139 and 140 run along the rib cage wall 141, 142 to aligntheir blades 137 and 138. The circular blades 137, 138 may be poweredremotely through flexidrive cables (not shown) or motors, such as airmotors 33, located at the blades 137, 138 (FIG. 17).

FIG. 16 shows in outline, typical minimum and maximum sizes of rib cage141, 142 that may have to be accommodated by the apparatus. The pair ofcutters 137, 138 commence at a position adjacent the spine clear of the"psoas major" to sever the entire "thick skirt" from the abdominalcavity wall. Cutting proceeds simultaneously on each side to theposterior of the sternum. Typically, the diaphragm 119 is severed within5 mm (max.) from the wall 141, 142 of the abdominal cavity. Theshielding 139, 140 reduces the likelihood of damage to the viscera.

In an alternative possibility to starting the cutting at the spine, theapparatus may include diaphragm holding means 35 movable into positionadjacent the upper edge of the diaphragm 119 and operable to releasablyhold the upper edge while the cutting tools 137, 138 advance outwardlyand downwardly to follow the rib cage wall 141, 142 until they reach thespine.

After diaphragm cutting, the viscera are pushed rearwardly and FIG. 18illustrates an apparatus suited to cutting the heart and lungscomprising a pusher assembly 143 that follows the spine. The pusherassembly 143 is pivotally mounted on arm 144 which is lowered by supportarm 145. The mechanical arm follows the spine, tearing the viscera fromit as close to the posterior of the pelvic cavity as is possible whenthe viscera will fall, as shown in FIG. 19 onto a viscera conveyor 146.At this point the viscera may be connected to the carcass 8 by a columnof connective tissue thereof and the clamping assembly 147 of FIG. 19may complete the operation by either a pulling or a cutting operation.Typically, the distance between the pelvic cavity and the visceraconveyor 146 should not be less than 1000 mm. The clamping assembly 147comprises a clamp arm 148 on a support 149 by which it is moved into andout of position.

CARCASS SPLITTING

Splitting may be carried out as shown in FIG. 20 with the carcass 82hanging horizontally by the four legs. Preferably, as with head removal,hide removal and evisceration, the carcass 82 is conveyed transverselyor longitudinally through the splitting station.

Splitting of the carcass 82 in FIGS. 20 to 26 is achieved using acircular saw 87 passing through the length of the carcass 82 fromunderneath. A bandsaw 200 could also be used as shown in FIGS. 27 to 29.

Initially the carcass 82 is supported and located centrally over thesplitting mechanism by suitable support means (170, 171, 201). As withthe other processes, the beef line can be stop/start with the splittingsaw 87, 200 stationary, or the splitting saw can be indexed along,splitting the carcass 82 on the move. Referring to FIGS. 20 to 26, withthe carcass 82 in position the splitting cycle is initiated. The processbegins with means 201 for restraining the carcass against lateralmovement being brought into operation by centralizing the forequarter ofthe carcass by lowering down the brisket locating arm 83 through theopen brisket 84. The parallel fingers 95, 96 then spread to rigidlylocate centrally the spine in the forequarter area.

The rear of the spine is then located and the splitting support means 81comprising saw trolley 94 moves into position to begin cutting. Once inposition tracking means 86 is used to centralise the spine in relationto the saw blade 87. This guide 86, acting on a pneumatic spring,follows the back of the carcass 82 underneath controlling the raisingand lowering of the saw 87 to contour along the back 88 of the carcass82. This ensures that the spine is aligned as the saw 87 passes throughthe carcass 82. As the saw 87 approaches the neck area a pair of rollerguides 89 may swing in on either side of the neck 90 to give extrasupport and guidance as the saw cuts through the neck 90. The neck guide89 is used to eliminate the tendency for the neck to swing about andcause the cut to "soft-side", that is run off centre. When the saw 87has completed the splitting of the carcass 82 the saw is lowered andthen returns to the start of travel to be sterilized ready for the nextcarcass.

The saw blade 87 is mounted to a cutting support 85 for verticalmovement and its height may be automatically adjusted by the contouringof the tracking means 86 along the spine. Vertical movement might becontrolled by links 91 lifting the saw mount up posts 92 and 93 onwheeled trolley 94 which may be driven along the length of the carcass82 and returned when splitting is complete.

In FIG. 21, brisket locating arm 83 comprises two clamp fingers 95 and96 which are movable to and fro on arms 97 and 98 which are angularlyintermeshed by gears 99 and 100 so that when ram 102 acting through rod101 moves arm 97, the clamp fingers 95 and 96 are activated between aclosed and open position. The brisket clamp 83 is initially closed,lowered into the brisket and opened so as to open the brisket with apredetermined force.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show detailed views of the spine tracking means 86 whichcontours along the spine 88 of carcass 82. Two spaced sliding contactmeans in the form of rails 103 and 104 span the feather bones 109 of thespine of carcass 82 and are guided thereby along the spine to restrainthe spine against lateral movement and to set the height of the sawblade 87. The flared extensions 107 and 108 catch and locate the spinewhen the splitter is initially moved up behind a carcass. The spinetracking means 86 is supported on a pivotal mount 105 on a pin at 106over a stem 110 so as to permit angular tilting when following thecontour of the spine.

In FIGS. 24 and 25, neck rollers 89 are mounted on control arms 111which are constrained to move equally about their vertical support linethrough cross bar 112 over supporting mechanisms 113 and 114. Therollers 89 may contour over the variable neck surface but they actequally to centralise the neck 90. The saw 87 may be provided with ashroud 115.

In FIG. 26 is shown the general location of sensors 116, 117 and 118which may be utilized so as to enable operation of the splitter. Sensor116 may be a limit switch to sense the rear of carcass 82. Sensor 117may be a limit switch to control the contouring of the back 88. Sensor118 may be a photo optic beam sensor to register the back height. Apneumatic cylinder 113 may adjust the spine tracking means forcontouring.

In FIGS. 27 and 28 there is shown an alternative spine tracking means 86which makes a rolling contact with the spine on opposite sides of thespine. The spine tracking means is urged into engagement with thecarcass 82 e.g. by air ram or cylinder 202 acting through arm 203 whichis pivotally supported about its end remote from the tracking means 86.This positively locates the tracking means 86 on opposite sides of thespine and maintains that engagement as the tracking means 86 moves alongthe spine.

As shown in FIG. 28, the rolling contact means 205 comprises twolaterally spaced tracking wheels 206, 207 the rims of which are arrangedto contact and roll along the carcass 82. The axes 208, 209 of rotationof the two wheels 206, 207 are non-collinear. The closest separation ofthe rims of the wheels 206, 207 is at the region where the wheelscontact the carcass 82 so that any lateral force acting on a wheel rimas a result of any tendency of the carcass 82 to move laterally has acomponent of force acting radially relative to the axis of rotation sothat the respective wheel 206, 207 will strongly resist the lateralmovement of the carcass 82 at the spine.

As shown in FIG. 27, the spine tracking means 86 comprises two pairs ofrolling contact means 210, 211, the pairs 210, 211 being spacedlengthwise relative to the carcass 82. The pairs 210, 211 are carried bytracking support means 212 which is pivotally movable about transverseaxis 213 located between the pairs 210, 211 so as to maintain at leastone of the pairs 210, 211 in contact with the carcass 82 and straddlingthe spine at all times.

In FIG. 29 there is shown maximum and minimum expected sizes of carcass82 suspended neck down and having an associated support frame 210 onwhich trolley 94 runs. The trolley 94 supports the splitting supportmeans 81 which in turn mounts the cutting support 85. The support 85 isselectively movable between the collapsed condition shown in full lineand the extended position shown in broken line so that the bandsaw 200carried by the support 85 can be adjusted in position relative to thecarcass 82. The support 85 can support tracking means 86 generally asshown in FIGS. 27 and 28 so that the line of cutting of the bandsaw 200is directly between the rolling support means 211 in FIG. 27.

By utilizing the above described means, a carcass 82 might be splitautomatically when suspended by all four legs. The splitting apparatusis preferably located immediately following evisceration, and operatestransversely or longitudinally to the overhead rails. A mechanism may beprovided to ensure a desired leg spread across the fore legs and hindlegs during splitting. The rail separation can be used to determine theoptimum fore and aft leg spread. Either of a band saw 200 or a circularsaw 87 may be used with the blade acting as a rigid member with lowlateral deflection (typically less than 2 mm) with an orientation thatresults in one vertebra being cut completely before a new one iscommenced. Splitting might proceed with the tail in place. The use ofthe respective tracking means 86 and guides 89 is such as to prevent"soft siding", the tendency of the saw to follow a line of leastresistance.

The above apparatus may operate in the following manner. The carcass 82can be indexed to the splitting saw 87, 200 in a transverse positionfollowing evisceration. The fore legs and hind legs are then spread. Thebrisket guide 83 can be lowered through the open sternum into thethoracic cavity and the fingers 95, 96 of the guide are then spread tolocate the ribs. The tail bone is located to enable the start of sawing,the saw trolley 94 is positioned and the saw 87, 200 is activated. Thespine tracking means 86 contact the tail bones to align the centre lineof the vertebrae with that of the saw 87, 200. Sawing progresses withthe trolley 94 moving at constant speed.

Laterally spreading the fore legs assists in aligning the carcass 82 andprovides lateral stability. Too great a spread strains the shouldersexcessively and adds to the force required at the spine tracking means86 so as to centralise the feather bones 109. Decreasing the spreadreduces the sternum opening and interferes with operation of the brisketguide 83. Hind leg spreading likewise stabilises the carcass 82 but toomuch or too little affects tracking of the saw 87, 200. For and aftspreading requires to be likewise optimized for stability. The brisketguide 83 gives lateral stability and its force at the rib cage isoptimized for this purpose (typically 870 Newtons). The spine trackingmeans 86 operates effectively with a vertical force that is typically160 Newtons. The neck rollers 89 should engage the neck 90 at a positionforward of the saw blade 87, 200 to avoid it being braked as would occurif it were placed after the cut.

In operation of the splitting apparatus, control of a cycle is achievedby the saw support 85 being moved up till a photo optic beam 188 isbroken indicating the carcass 82 is in place. The saw 87, 200 is turnedon, the trolley 94 moves forward and the saw is lowered, typically 50mm. Contact of the limit switch 116 stops forward motion of the trolley94. The spine tracking means 86 is moved up until limit switch 117 istripped and this positions the cutting saw 87, 200 about 50 mm, in atypical situation, from the tail bone. The forward travel and verticalcontouring mechanisms are then initiated and splitting begins. Followingsplitting, the saw trolley 94 may be retracted, cleaned and reset forthe next operation.

It is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/oradditions may be made to the features of the possible and preferredembodiment(s) of the invention as herein described without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for automatically processing an animalcarcass, the apparatus comprising suspension means for suspending acarcass in an inverted position with the spine located beneath thecarcass and the carcass having an abdominal cavity opening upwardly soas to expose the abdominal side of the diaphragm so that the abdominalviscera lay away from the diaphragm within the abdominal cavity underthe weight of the abdominal viscera, the apparatus further comprising acutting assembly movable relative to the carcass so as to be advanceableinto the abdominal cavity adjacent to the diaphragm, the cuttingassembly including a cutting support and a cutting means movably mountedto the cutting support for generally arcuate movement about the lengthof the carcass within the abdominal cavity and being operable during thearcuate movement to cut the diaphragm around the periphery thereof. 2.An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the suspensionmeans is operative to suspend the carcass with the spine inclinedupwardly towards the neck so that the abdominal viscera lay away fromthe diaphragm within the abdominal cavity under their own weight.
 3. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 2 characterised in that the suspensionmeans supports the carcass so that the diaphragm is approximatelyvertical.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterised in thatthe cutting support is selectively movable generally along the length ofthe carcass so that the cutting assembly after being advanced into theabdominal cavity enables the cutting means to be advanced into contactwith the diaphragm for commencement of the diaphragm cutting operation.5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the cuttingsupport mounts the cutting means so as to be capable of varying paths ofmovement about the cutting support whereby the cutting means is capableof following and cutting differing shapes and sizes of diaphragms asrequired.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 characterised in thatthe cutting support includes a support arm, the cutting means beingmounted to an outer end of the support arm, the support arm beingpivotally movable about an inner end thereof, the support arm comprisingan inner support arm portion and an outer support arm portion, the innerand outer support arm portions being pivotally connected together at anelbow, whereby as the support arm is pivotally moved about the inner endthereof, the cutting means at the outer end can vary its separation fromthe inner end of the support arm by hinging movement at the elbow.
 7. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the cutting meansincludes a cutter blades, the cutter blade being shielded by a shroudand having a portion of the blade only exposed for cutting action alongthe diaphragm the shroud being arranged to bear against and to followthe rib cage wall of the carcass as the cutter blade is moved along itsarcuate path whereby the line of cut is closely adjacent to the rib cagewall, the shroud shielding the cutter blade against inadvertent cuttingof viscera within the carcass.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1characterised in that the cutting means comprises two cutter bladesmounted for simultaneous arcuate movement at opposite sides of thecarcass so as to cut the diaphragm at both sides simultaneously.
 9. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 8 characterised in that the two cutterblades are initially positioned at the diaphragm adjacent to the spineof the carcass, the two cutter blades being advanced so as to contourout and around the rib cage wall towards the upper opening in theabdominal cavity through which the cutter assembly extends.
 10. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 8 characterised in that the two cutterblades are initially located at the diaphragm adjacent to the opening inthe abdominal cavity at an upper part of the diaphragm, the two cutterblades being advanced outwardly and downwardly so as to follow theinside wall of the rib cage until the cutter blades reach the vicinityof the spine, the apparatus further including diaphragm holding meansfor releasably holding the diaphragm at the upper edge thereof adjacentwhere the cutter blades commence their cutting of the diaphragm, theholding means being arranged to hold the diaphragm against folding downwithin the abdominal cavity during the advancing movement of the cutterblades towards the spine.